Ruben Amorim may have first noticed the problems after Man United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town. If you’ve watched the Red Devils this season, the scale of the challenge facing Amorim is no surprise.
The problem is not the workload, it is the spirit and structure of the team at the moment. United’s performances since the start of the season have shown that this is a team lacking in spirit. The game at Portman Road showed a disjointed formation, players moving aimlessly, and the ball rolling as if no one really wanted to control it.
There were many situations where the “Red Devils” defense passed the ball back and forth but did not create any angles or spaces to break the pressure from Ipswich. On the sidelines, Ruben Amorim was frustrated many times when witnessing the lack of connection between the lines of the team.
Joshua Zirkzee, the player who was expected to shine, showed a lethargic style of play and did not leave any impression after coming on the field. This is not the image that Man United fans want to see from a team that used to be a symbol of determination and winning spirit.
Ruben Amorim's side got off to a good start, taking just 82 seconds to open the scoring. From a quick attack on the right flank, Amad Diallo made an impressive acceleration before crossing for Marcus Rashford to tap the ball into the net. This was a move created by Amorim's tactical arrangement, showing the potential of the new squad.
However, the joy did not last long. After the goal, Man United could not maintain the pressure. The midfield was loose and unstructured, leaving many gaps for Ipswich to exploit. As a result, the home team found a worthy equalizer thanks to Omari Hutchison, who created a lot of trouble in front of Andre Onana's goal.
Ruben Amorim barely sat on the bench throughout the match. The Portuguese tactician did not shout or give instructions enthusiastically. Instead, the new Man United captain walked quietly along the touchline, observing and contemplating. It seemed that Amorim understood that he had a difficult job ahead.
Man United’s problems are not just individual players but also tactical structure and team spirit. Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans, three experienced but lacking dynamic names, have not been able to ensure the balance between defense and attack. Meanwhile, although Amad Diallo and Rashford have had explosive moments, they are still not stable enough to carry the team.
The Man United midfield was easily penetrated, allowing Ipswich to dominate with neat triangles. If it weren't for the brilliance of Andre Onana, the result could have been even worse on Ruben Amorim's debut.
The 39-year-old knows he is taking over a squad that is lacking, not just tactically but also mentally. However, a clear understanding of the current state of the team could be the first step towards rebuilding.
Man United need a complete revolution, from improving the tactical structure to rebuilding the fighting spirit. With talent and composure, Amorim still shows signs of being the right person to lead the Old Trafford team through this difficult period.
